'One govt, one tax' policy gathers steam

Dimapur: 'One government, one tax', a term coined by the Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) during last year's October 31 public rally in Dimapur to combat illegal taxation imposed by Naga rebel groups, has emerged as a catchphrase among the Nagas, especially the business community.

From Dimapur town, the movement has now reached Chumukedima and other parts of the state, where people are suffering under multiple 'taxations' imposed by various Naga rebel groups and organizations.

A public meeting at Chumukedima, organized by the Chumukedima Chamber of Commerce and Trade Association (CCCTA) on Thursday, saw a huge gathering, mostly comprising traders and businessmen. The meeting upheld the 'One government, one tax' policy and the people present said they would refuse to pay tax to any organization till a solution is arrived at.

"One government, one tax" means traders will only pay 'tax' to a combined group of rebel outfits and not to different militant groups individually, said sources at the meeting.

The meeting resolved to expel businessmen from Chumukedima town who violate the resolutions and pay 'tax' on their own.

Former bureaucrat Khekiye K Sema, who spoke in the meeting, emphasized the need of a system to save the public from the menace of illegal taxation, and said "One Government, One Tax" is the only solution to this menace. Nagas are seeking relief from all the various kinds of 'taxations' without confronting the rebel factions.

The retired IAS officer was critical of the Naga rebel groups and questioned them on the issue of sovereignty. "For whom are you asking sovereignty, for yourself or for the people?" he asked and added that the Centre has already rejected sovereignty and integration.

Joel Nilo Kath of ACAUT said last year's Dimapur rally had resolved three points. One was setting up of a High Power Committee by the state government. He said the government is indirectly supporting ACAUT but is not spelling it out though it has agreed to form the committee.

Joel said 'One Government, One Tax' movement will spread to all the districts of the state, but needs people's support and cooperation. He declared the formation of ACAUT Nagaland. Joel added 75 per cent of the business in the state is being controlled by the non-Nagas and sought people's consent to the decision of ACAUT on taxation.